In recent articles, I’ve discussed how to attract bees and other beneficial insects with perennials, shrubs, and edibles. A recurring theme in the reader comments was the importance of Lamiaceae, a diverse family of plants with over 7,000 species found globally. If you’re looking to create an insect-friendly garden, you should consider incorporating more plants from the Lamiaceae family. These plants offer not only beauty but also essential resources for pollinators.
The Allure of Lamiaceae Flowers
From the early blooms of henbit in spring to the late-season flowers of autumn sages, Lamiaceae plants have a unique flower structure that is easily accessible to a variety of insects, especially small bees. Their two-lipped blossoms, often marked with intricate spots and blotches, resemble orchids in their exotic beauty. This attractive design ensures that insects with short tongues can reach the nectar and pollen, making these plants highly successful in attracting pollinators. For example, research on agastache (anise hyssop) in the northeastern U.S. found that an average of 38 bees visited each square meter of the plant daily.
Popular Lamiaceae Herbs for Pollinator Gardens
Lamiaceae herbs, such as agastache (anise hyssop), oregano, and various catmints, are frequently recommended for pollinator gardens. These hardy perennials are easy to grow across diverse climates, and with careful planning, you can ensure something from this family is blooming year-round.
- Catnip: This low-maintenance herb is a favorite in my own garden. It’s not often bothered by deer due to its strong aroma and is known to attract small bees and other pollinators. It’s also a wonderful addition to any herb garden.
- Oregano: Wild oregano (Origanum vulgare) may produce flavorless leaves but is a magnet for a wide range of beneficial insects, especially when left to flower. While culinary varieties like Greek oregano are preferred for kitchen use, the wild variety is an excellent choice for attracting pollinators.
- Mint: While culinary mints, like peppermint and apple mint, tend to bloom later in the season, wild mints can rapidly spread and produce copious amounts of flowers. I prefer the more controlled varieties, but both types provide excellent nectar for insects.
Charming Perennial Lamiaceae Plants
Several perennial plants in the Lamiaceae family are both beautiful and beneficial to pollinators:
- Deadnettle: Though named for its resemblance to stinging nettles, deadnettle (Lamium species) doesn’t sting. Wild deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) and henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) are early bloomers, attracting bees and other pollinators in late winter and early spring. These plants thrive in cool conditions and are a welcome sight in my garden.
- Ornamental Deadnettle: Lamium maculatum, often called ‘White Nancy,’ is a lovely ground cover for shady areas. It produces delicate white or pink flowers in mid to late spring, which are highly attractive to small pollinators.
- Lamb’s Ears: Another beloved plant, Stachys byzantina (lamb’s ears), is well-known for its soft, felted leaves, which children often love to touch. However, it’s the plant’s pink flowers that draw bees throughout the day. In some regions, such as Great Britain and California, wool carder bees even use the plant’s felted leaves to line their nests.
Conclusion
The Lamiaceae family offers a rich variety of plants that can enrich your edible garden while supporting local pollinators. Whether you grow herbs like oregano and catnip, or ornamental varieties like lamb’s ears and deadnettle, these plants provide essential food sources for bees and other beneficial insects. By including Lamiaceae in your garden, you’ll not only enhance its beauty but also contribute to the health and diversity of the local ecosystem.